New International VersionSo he who was seated on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.
New Living TranslationSo the one sitting on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the whole earth was harvested.
English Standard VersionSo he who sat on the cloud swung his sickle across the earth, and the earth was reaped.
Berean Standard BibleSo the One seated on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.
Berean Literal BibleAnd the One sitting upon the cloud put forth His sickle upon the earth, and the earth was harvested.
King James BibleAnd he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
New King James VersionSo He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.
New American Standard BibleThen He who sat on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was reaped.
NASB 1995Then He who sat on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was reaped.
NASB 1977And He who sat on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth; and the earth was reaped.
Legacy Standard BibleThen He who sits on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was reaped.
Amplified BibleSo He who was sitting on the cloud cast His sickle over the earth, and the earth was reaped (judged).
Christian Standard BibleSo the one seated on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.
Holman Christian Standard BibleSo the One seated on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.
American Standard VersionAnd he that sat on the cloud cast his sickle upon the earth; and the earth was reaped.
Contemporary English VersionThe one on the cloud swung his sickle and harvested the crops.
English Revised VersionAnd he that sat on the cloud cast his sickle upon the earth; and the earth was reaped.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThe one who sat on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the harvesting of the earth was completed.
Good News TranslationThen the one who sat on the cloud swung his sickle on the earth, and the earth's harvest was reaped.
International Standard VersionThe one who sat on the cloud swung his sickle across the earth, and the earth was harvested.
NET BibleSo the one seated on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was reaped.
New Heart English BibleHe who sat on the cloud thrust his sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.
Weymouth New TestamentThen He who sat on the cloud flung His sickle on the earth, and the earth had its harvest reaped. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo the One seated on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.
World English BibleHe who sat on the cloud thrust his sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand He who is sitting on the cloud put forth His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.
Berean Literal BibleAnd the One sitting upon the cloud put forth His sickle upon the earth, and the earth was harvested.
Young's Literal Translation and he who is sitting upon the cloud did put forth his sickle upon the earth, and the earth was reaped.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he sitting upon the cloud cast his sickle upon the earth; and the earth was reaped. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he that sat on the cloud thrust his sickle into the earth, and the earth was reaped.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd the one who was sitting upon the cloud sent out his sickle to the earth, and the earth was reaped.
New American BibleSo the one who was sitting on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.
New Revised Standard VersionSo the one who sat on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was reaped. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe thrust his sickle upon the earth; and the earth was harvested.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd he who sat on the cloud thrust his sickle unto The Earth and The Earth was reaped. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.
Godbey New Testament
And the one sitting on the cloud thrust in his sickle to the earth; and the earth was reaped.
Haweis New Testament
And he who sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle upon the earth, and the earth was reaped.
Mace New Testament
harvest of the earth is ripe." so he that sat on the cloud, stretch'd out his sickle to the earth; and the earth was reaped.
Weymouth New Testament
Then He who sat on the cloud flung His sickle on the earth, and the earth had its harvest reaped.
Worrell New Testament
And He Who was sitting upon the cloud sent forth His sickle, and the earth was reaped.
Worsley New Testament
And He that sat upon the cloud put forth his sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Harvest of the Earth… 15Then another angel came out of the temple, crying out in a loud voice to the One seated on the cloud, “Swing Your sickle and reap, because the time has come to harvest; for the crop of the earth is ripe.” 16Sothe OneseatedonthecloudswungHissickleovertheearth,andtheearthwas harvested.17Then another angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle.…
Cross References Matthew 13:39and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.
Joel 3:13Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, trample the grapes, for the winepress is full; the wine vats overflow because their wickedness is great.
Mark 4:29And as soon as the grain is ripe, he swings the sickle, because the harvest has come.”
Isaiah 63:3“I have trodden the winepress alone, and no one from the nations was with Me. I trampled them in My anger and trod them down in My fury; their blood spattered My garments, and all My clothes were stained.
Jeremiah 51:33For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: “The Daughter of Babylon is like a threshing floor at the time it is trampled. In just a little while her harvest time will come.”
Matthew 13:30Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat into my barn.’”
John 4:35-38Do you not say, ‘There are still four months until the harvest’? I tell you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ripe for harvest. / Already the reaper draws his wages and gathers a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may rejoice together. / For in this case the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. ...
Hosea 6:11Also for you, O Judah, a harvest is appointed, when I restore My people from captivity.
Micah 4:12-13But they do not know the thoughts of the LORD or understand His plan, for He has gathered them like sheaves to the threshing floor. / Rise and thresh, O Daughter of Zion, for I will give you horns of iron and hooves of bronze to break to pieces many peoples. Then you will devote their gain to the LORD, their wealth to the Lord of all the earth.
Isaiah 17:5as the reaper gathers the standing grain and harvests the ears with his arm, as one gleans heads of grain in the Valley of Rephaim.
Matthew 9:37-38Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. / Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.”
Luke 10:2And He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest.
Psalm 126:5-6Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. / He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain.
James 5:7Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer awaits the precious fruit of the soil—how patient he is for the fall and spring rains.
Isaiah 27:12In that day the LORD will thresh from the flowing Euphrates to the Wadi of Egypt, and you, O Israelites, will be gathered one by one.
Treasury of Scripture And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. he. Revelation 14:14 And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloudone sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. John 5:22,23 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: … thrust. Revelation 14:19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and castit into the great winepress of the wrath of God. Revelation 16:1 And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth. Jump to Previous BladeCastCloudCutEarthFlungForthGrainHarvestHarvestedReapedSatSeatedSickleSittingSwungThrustJump to Next BladeCastCloudCutEarthFlungForthGrainHarvestHarvestedReapedSatSeatedSickleSittingSwungThrustRevelation 14 1.The Lamb standing on Mount Zion with his company.6.An angel preaches the gospel.8.The fall of Babylon.15.The harvest of the world.20.The winepress of the wrath of God.So the One seated on the cloudThis phrase refers to a figure of divine authority and judgment. In biblical imagery, clouds often symbolize the presence of God ( Exodus 13:21, Daniel 7:13). The "One seated on the cloud" is commonly interpreted as Jesus Christ, drawing from Daniel's vision of the "Son of Man" coming with the clouds of heaven. This imagery is consistent with the New Testament portrayal of Christ's return ( Matthew 24:30, Acts 1:9-11). swung His sickle over the earth
The sickle is a tool used for harvesting, symbolizing judgment and the gathering of people. In the context of Revelation, this act represents divine judgment and the separation of the righteous from the wicked. The imagery of harvest is frequently used in Scripture to denote the end times and final judgment (Matthew 13:39,Joel 3:13). The act of swinging the sickle indicates the initiation of this process. and the earth was harvested
This phrase signifies the completion of the judgment process. The "harvest" is a metaphor for the gathering of souls, both for salvation and judgment. In the agricultural context of the ancient Near East, harvest time was a period of gathering and celebration, but also of separation and discernment. This dual aspect is reflected in the eschatological themes of Revelation, where the faithful are gathered to eternal life, and the unfaithful face judgment (Matthew 25:31-46,Revelation 14:14-20). Persons / Places / Events 1. The One Seated on the CloudThis figure is often interpreted as Jesus Christ, depicted in a position of authority and judgment. The imagery of being seated on a cloud is reminiscent of divine presence and glory. 2. The CloudIn biblical symbolism, clouds often represent the presence of God. They are associated with divine majesty and the heavenly realm. 3. The SickleA tool used for harvesting, symbolizing judgment and the gathering of people for the final reckoning. 4. The EarthRepresents humanity and the world, which is subject to divine judgment and harvest. 5. The HarvestSymbolizes the end times when God will gather His people and execute judgment. It is a metaphor for the final separation of the righteous from the wicked. Teaching Points Divine Authority and JudgmentJesus, as the One seated on the cloud, holds ultimate authority over the earth. His role in judgment is both a warning and a comfort, affirming His sovereignty and justice. The Certainty of the HarvestThe imagery of the harvest assures believers that God's plan will come to fruition. It encourages readiness and faithfulness, knowing that the time of harvest is certain. The Call to RighteousnessThe separation of the righteous from the wicked at the harvest calls believers to live lives that reflect their faith, striving for holiness and obedience to God's commands. Hope in Christ's ReturnThe vision of Christ on the cloud provides hope for believers, reminding them of the promise of His return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. Urgency in EvangelismUnderstanding the finality of the harvest should motivate believers to share the Gospel, knowing that the time for repentance is limited. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Revelation 14:16?
2.How does Revelation 14:16 illustrate God's authority in the harvest of souls?
3.What role does the "One seated on the cloud" play in end times?
4.How can we prepare for the spiritual harvest mentioned in Revelation 14:16?
5.Connect Revelation 14:16 with Matthew 13:39 on the harvest at the end.
6.How should Revelation 14:16 influence our urgency in sharing the Gospel today?
7.What does Revelation 14:16 reveal about God's judgment and its timing?
8.How does Revelation 14:16 relate to the concept of divine harvest?
9.What is the significance of the "sickle" imagery in Revelation 14:16?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Revelation 14?
11.Is salvation possible after taking the Mark of the Beast?
12.Did we witness His divine glory?
13.In Revelation 14:14–20, how can we harmonize the violent imagery of the harvest and winepress of God’s wrath with other scriptural themes of forgiveness and mercy?
14.In Job 22:12-14, Eliphaz suggests God may not see everything; how does this align with other scriptures asserting God's omniscience?What Does Revelation 14:16 Mean So the One seated on the cloud“Then I looked and saw a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was One like the Son of Man, with a golden crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand.” (Revelation 14:14) • Scripture consistently portrays the “Son of Man” coming with clouds, a title Jesus applies to Himself (Daniel 7:13–14;Matthew 24:30;Revelation 1:7). • The white cloud signals purity and divine authority; the golden crown affirms His rightful kingship (Psalm 2:6–9). • By placing Jesus on the cloud, the passage reminds us that judgment belongs to Him alone (John 5:22). • The scene is literal: the risen Christ, visibly present, ready to act in history’s climactic moment (Acts 1:9–11).
Swung His sickle over the earth“So the One seated on the cloud swung His sickle over the earth…” (Revelation 14:16) • The sickle is a straightforward agricultural tool, here symbolizing decisive judgment (Joel 3:12–13). • Heaven’s call to reap comes immediately before this verse (Revelation 14:15); the time is ripe because God’s patience has reached its limit (2 Peter 3:9). • Jesus’ action is swift and unerring, echoing His words about the end-time harvest inMark 4:29 andMatthew 13:41-42. • There is no struggle or delay; a single swing suffices, underscoring His absolute power.
And the earth was harvested“…and the earth was harvested.” (Revelation 14:16) • The entire globe is in view; no corner escapes His reach (Psalm 24:1). • This harvest is the first of two inRevelation 14. Verses 17-20 depict the grape harvest of wrath, while verse 16 shows the grain harvest, likely representing the gathering of the righteous (Matthew 13:30, 39). • The event is the literal fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to send His angels to “gather His elect from the four winds” (Matthew 24:31). • By completing the harvest, Christ sets the stage for the bowls of wrath that follow (Revelation 15–16), proving that salvation and judgment unfold exactly as foretold.
summaryRevelation 14:16 pictures the Lord Jesus, crowned and seated on a cloud, acting at the precise moment God appoints. With a single swing of His sickle He gathers the earth’s harvest, fulfilling centuries of prophetic promise. The verse assures us that Christ’s authority is unquestioned, His timing perfect, and His word literal and trustworthy. Verse 16. - And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. "Cast his sickle;" not the same verb as that in ver. 15, but which, nevertheless, has the same signification (cf. the use of this verb in John 20:25, 27). There are two gatherings described in this place: (1) the harvest of the earth by the Son of man; (2) the gathering of the vintage by the angel. On the whole, it seems probable that the first refers to the selection by Christ of the faithful at the end of the world, while the secured describes the ingathering of the wicked for punishment immediately afterwards. This agrees with the general tenor of the whole chapter, viz, a portrayal of the opposite fates in store for the faithful and the wicked. The description thus corresponds with the account of the end of the world given inRevelation 7, with which chapter this one has so much in common (see on the first verses of the present chapter). InRevelation 7. the saints are first selected and sealed, before the wicked meet their doom. Thus, also, the judgment is described by our Lord in his parables of the wheat and the tares, and the sheep and the goats. This accounts also for the first gathering being presided over by the Son of man, while the second is conducted by an angel. The punishment in connection with the vintage seems to distinguish it from the first harvest. This also corresponds to the announcements of the former angels, who first preach the everlasting gospel, and afterwards denounce those who serve the beast (vers. 6-11).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek [So]καὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.the [One]ὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.seatedκαθήμενος(kathēmenos)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2521:To sit, be seated, enthroned; I dwell, reside. From kata; and hemai; to sit down; figuratively, to remain, reside.onἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.theτῆς(tēs)Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.cloudνεφέλης(nephelēs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3507:A cloud. From nephos; properly, cloudiness, i.e. a cloud.swungἔβαλεν(ebalen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 906:(a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw.Hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.sickleδρέπανον(drepanon)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1407:A sickle, pruning-hook. From drepo; a gathering hook.overἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.theτὴν(tēn)Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.earth,γῆν(gēn)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1093:Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.theἡ(hē)Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.earthγῆ(gē)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1093:Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.was harvested.ἐθερίσθη(etheristhē)Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2325:To reap, gather, harvest. From theros; to harvest.
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NT Prophecy: Revelation 14:16 He who sat on the cloud thrust (Rev. Re Apocalypse) |
